Chapter 135: The Demon Lord Junzhu's Slacking Daily Life Chapter 134: Yan Si Goes on a Long Journey
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Protagonist:
Yan Qianqian
Mantou was indeed quite efficient; upon receiving the task, she didn't say another word and strode out with long steps. Not long after, she returned, her hand still steadily clutching an extraordinarily large straw hat.
This straw hat was truly large enough; placed on the snowman's head it fit perfectly, as if it had been tailor-made specifically for this snowman. With this straw hat, the snowman's image instantly became vivid and lively.
After everything was ready, the three people gathered excitedly in front of the snowman. Qianqian held tightly in her hand the two brooms Yan Jie had managed to find, and carefully inserted them into the two sides of the snowman's body, serving as the snowman's two arms.
Immediately after, she gently placed that straw hat on top of the snowman's head, carefully adjusting its position to ensure it wouldn't easily fall off.
Then, she picked up that shabby, shedding scarf, and just like a mother wrapping warm protection around her child, gently wound it around the snowman's neck for a circle, and cleverly crossed and tied it at the chest.
Having done all this, Qianqian finally let out a breath of relief, but just as she looked up and down at the snowman gradually taking shape before her, she suddenly felt as if some important element was still missing. Yan Shuang'er, standing to the side, also looked left and right, racked her brains for a long time, yet could not figure out what exactly was lacking.
Just as the two stared at each other helplessly, Yan Jie, who had been silently observing from the side, suddenly had his eyes brighten and shouted excitedly: "I know! It's a mouth! Our snowman actually doesn't have a mouth..."
Qianqian blinked her eyes, and after a good while suddenly realized and slapped her own head: "Ah! Almost forgot we still need to make it a mouth!" She furrowed her brows and racked her brains for a long time, wondering what exactly to use for this crucial part. Just then, Yan Shuang'er at the side had a flash of inspiration and said in a delicate voice: "We can find a red string!"
Qianqian's eyes lit up upon hearing this, and she nodded repeatedly in agreement: "Mm, this idea is not bad!" Finished speaking, she turned her head to look at Mantou beside her, and smilingly instructed: "Mantou, quickly go help Qianqian see if there's any red string." Mantou nodded, and went out to search.
Not much time passed before Mantou returned excitedly; in her hand was actually the red string from a gift tote bag. Qianqian took the red string, picked up the small scissors on the table and carefully cut it to a suitable length, then carefully inlaid the cut red string onto the snowman's face. After a round of meticulous crafting, the snowman's mouth was finally completed!
At this moment, the snowman standing in the courtyard was lifelike, like a mighty guard standing straight and tall. Gazing at this work created by their own hands, Qianqian, Yan Shuang'er, and Yan Jie all danced with excitement, their hearts filled with a sense of accomplishment and joy.
In the blink of an eye it was lunchtime; when the family sat around the dining table preparing to enjoy the midday meal, Yan Si suddenly put down his bowl and chopsticks, and spoke with a solemn face: "I plan to make a trip far away." Hearing this, Yan Shuang'er immediately stared her eyes wide, and curiously asked: "Second Brother, where are you going?" Yan Si smiled faintly, and replied unhurriedly: "I'm going to Dongying Guo."
"Dongying Guo?" Qianqian also couldn't help feeling quite surprised, and hurriedly interjected to ask: "Second Elder Brother, what are you going to Dongying Guo for?" Yan Si let out a light sigh, and explained: "The bookstore Shangguan Xingyan opened over there is about to be completed, but he always feels something is off, so he hopes I'll go over to take a look and give him some pointers. Moreover, the work on my hands these few days has all been handled, so it's a good opportunity to make a trip."
An Wangfei, upon hearing this, slightly furrowed her delicate brows, and asked softly: "Then can you return before the New Year?" Her gaze tightly fixed on Yan Si, her eyes full of concern.
Yan Si smiled faintly, and replied with confidence: "Rest assured, Mother Consort. I'm just going over to check the situation, staying only five or six days. As for the journey, round trip is at most four or five days. Now there are still a full fifteen days until the New Year; I will definitely be able to return on time."
An Wangfei, hearing this, showed a trace of relief on her face, but still said with some lingering worry: "That's good. However, when do you plan to set off? Are you departing this afternoon?"
Yan Si nodded, and replied: "Yes, Wangfei. After I finish the midday meal, I'll tidy up a bit and then set out."
Wangfei nodded slightly, and further instructed: "Then you must certainly bring all necessary items. The journey is distant; I hope you are careful and cautious all the way, do not rush the journey. If you truly cannot make it back before the New Year, don't be anxious either; safety is most important."
Yan Si solemnly nodded in response: "Wangfei's words are extremely correct; this subordinate will keep them in mind."
After finishing the midday meal, Qianqian and Yan Jie returned to their rooms to rest for a nap. Yan Si, on the other hand, began to pack his luggage in an orderly manner, placing essential items one by one into his baggage. After everything was ready, he shouldered his baggage, mounted his horse, and galloped off into the distance.
Time flew; two days later, Yan Si finally arrived at Dongying Guo. Shangguan Xingyan had already received the news and dispatched people in advance to wait at the city gate to welcome him. When Yan Si's figure appeared in sight, the welcoming party immediately went forward to meet him, leading him straight to his residence.
Time flew; in a flash it was already nearing the New Year; counting on fingers, only three days remained until the New Year. On this very day, Yan Si, who had been away for a long time, finally returned! Around mid-afternoon, an exquisitely decorated carriage slowly drove into the Gate of An Wangfu. Yan Si, having endured a long journey, appeared slightly fatigued, yet his eyes revealed the joy and anticipation of returning home.
Simultaneously, Qianqian, Yan Jie, and Yan Shuang'er, who had played outside all day, also happened to have just stepped through the family door. They excitedly exchanged stories of today's fun; upon hearing the servants report that Yan Si had already returned, the three couldn't help but show joy on their faces. However, hearing that Yan Si had just returned to his own courtyard and might be tidying luggage, they decided not to disturb him for now, and wait until the evening banquet to meet again.
As the sun set in the west, night quietly fell; the entire An Wangfu was illuminated by lanterns as bright as day. At this time, everyone gathered in the Shantang.
Only to see tonight's dining table spread full of a dazzling array of exquisite dishes, their lavishness far exceeding the usual. Qianqian glanced over and was instantly attracted by the food before her, involuntarily swallowing her saliva.
Those exquisite peony fish slices had bright colors, like blooming flowers; the Brocade Beef Rolls emitted an enticing aroma, making one drool; the Imperial Roast Duck had crisp skin and tender meat, glossy golden yellow; the Longjing Shrimp were fresh, tender, and springy, with tea fragrance overflowing; the Five Song Chicken Wings were even more perfect in color, aroma, and taste, stirring the appetite; the Bamboo Steamed Goose had rich meat that melted in the mouth; the Pearl Jade Cabbage was crystal clear, like carved beautiful jade; the Stir-fried Three Shreds were colorful and refreshing; the Lily Asparagus were fresh and crisp, nutritious; finally that bowl of Bird's Nest Wolfberry Soup was even more nourishing for beauty, sweet, moist, and smooth.
End of Chapter
